Daryl Murphy scored for the Republic of Ireland against Serbia on Monday.
Republic of Ireland head coach Martin O’Neill
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has told BBC Sport that he is delighted for Daryl Murphy after he scored his first international goal on Monday.
Ireland travelled to Belgrade to kick off their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Serbia, and after there were concerns that the match could be called off after torrential rain, O’Neill’s side kicked the game off in style.
Republic of Ireland’s Daryl Murphy scores against Serbia
Jeff Hendrick – fresh from making his move to Burnley to Derby County – opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Ireland sat back after that and were almost made to pay in the second half.
Filip Kostic and Dusan Tadic struck within seven minutes of each other to put Serbia 2-1 up, before Daryl Murphy grabbed a late equaliser to give Ireland a hard-fought point.
Republic of Ireland’s Daryl Murphy celebrates
Murphy was the hero for Ireland as he broke his goalscoring duck, finding the net for Ireland for the first time in his 24th appearance for his country.
The 33-year-old centre forward has enjoyed a whirlwind couple of weeks, as he left Ipswich Town to join Newcastle United before the transfer deadline, and has now followed that up with his first goal for Ireland.
After the final whistle in Belgrade, Ireland boss O’Neill told BBC Sport that Murphy has been given a major boost by earning his ‘glorious’ move to St. James’ Park.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill
O’Neill added that Murphy’s goal was ‘great’, and is impressed with his fitness given the question marks over his ability to play international football at his age.
“It’s been a big boost for him at club level getting a glorious move to Newcastle,” said O’Neill. “He’s fit, regardless of his age, and he steamed into it and that was a great goal for us and a great goal for him too,” he added.
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